Far Eastern University shrugged off its Game 2 loss to secure its first-ever V-League Men’s Collegiate Challenge title, sweeping De La Salle University 25-22, 28-26, 25-18 in the winner-take-all match on Friday at the Philsports Arena in Pasig.
Despite the stumble in Game 2, the Tamaraws leaned on Finals MVP Dryx Saavedra’s 24-point performance to not only claim their inaugural V-League championship but also dethrone the Green Archers and prevent them from securing back-to-back titles.
“Nag-umpisa ako dito sa FEU, hindi kami umaabot ng championship ‘eh. Sa’kin, personally, pinipilit ko ilabas yung eagerness ko na i-all out yung laro. Yung naiba lang nung Game 2 kasi, siguro dahil nakuha namin yung Game 1, nasobrahan kami sa kakaisip na dapat makuha na namin yung Game 2,” Saavedra shared.
Riding the momentum of their clutch second-set win, the Tamaraws were determined to finish strong.
FEU opened the third set with a 15-9 run, capped by another hit from Saavedra.
Outside hitter Mikko Espartero’s heroics sealed the deal late in the third set, scoring three consecutive points — a block, a crosscourt hit, and a title-clinching ace — to complete the sweep.
However, FEU’s commanding victory was built on their monumental comeback in the second set.
Down 20-24, the Tamaraws mounted an incredible fightback to steal the set, 28-26, and take a crucial two-sets-to-none lead.
(C) V-League Images
“Yung nangyari kasi nung Game 2, parang real talk nangyari doon sa dugout namin. Walang lumabas na nakangiti o nakayuko, pero alam mo yung moment na minsan, masarap din matalo ‘eh,” said FEU head coach Ed Orcullo.
“Nakikita mo kasi ng masinsinan yung mga tao na kasama mo kasi hindi mo naman nakikita yung talagang tagumpay if palagi kang panalo.”
The Tamaraws’ “twin towers” also played a pivotal role in the victory.
Charles Absin contributed 12 points, while Lirick Mendoza added 10.
Setter Benny Martinez steered the offense with 19 excellent sets and two points, while team captain Jelord Talisayan filled the stat sheet with eight points, 13 receptions, and six digs.
On the other side, Glen Ventura led La Salle with 16 points built on 14 attacks and two blocks, the only Green Archer to reach double digits.
Best Outside Hitter Chris Hernandez chipped in with seven points and 10 excellent receptions, while Alas Pilipinas spiker Noel Kampton contributed six points and 10 excellent receptions.
Both teams now turn their focus to the upcoming Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference, which begins later in October.
